January 24- Arizona returned to the pitch for the first time since the winter break looking to build off of a strong preseason under second-year coach Tatum Quimby. Facing a strong UCLA side in a rainy Los Angeles conditions, the Wildcats showed the fight that has the team, alumni, and fans excited for the present and future. 

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In the first half, the Wildcats were able to control territory and possession, with Sylvia Bruzga opening the scoring and Molly Chisholm converting. Bruzga and Chisholm have developed a strong partnership in the centers, one that Quimby is looking to build around as she builds the squad. Veterans such as Talia Ben-Yosef combine with those centers and a dynamic group of forwards, giving fans a glimpse into the future of the program.

 

A late score from Chisholm cut the lead to 17-12 but it was not enough as the Wildcats fell on the road to drop their record to 2-2 on the season. But there is much to be excited about in Tucson, as coach Quimby points to. "The forwards were a force to be reckoned with and our powerful center duo of Sylvia and Molly worked well together. It was a close match and the team fought hard until the final whistle. I'm very proud of the game we played this weekend" said Quimby.

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"We have really cleaned up our attacking structure and I'm excited to use it against a strong opponent" said Ben-Yosef. "On defense, we have great strong tacklers across the field and I know there are going to be some hard hits."

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The Wildcats now return home to take on Grand Canyon in a rematch of a Fall contest that went the way of the Wildcats. For the Wildcats full schedule click here.
 

SCORING vs UCLA

Arizona 12-17 UCLA

Tries: Sylvia Bruzga, Chisholm

Conversions: Chisholm 1-1, Ben-Yosef- 0/1

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